KL Marathon goes ahead this weekend, but Kids Dash cancelled over haze concerns

Participants celebrate reaching the finish line of the 2017 Standard Chartered KL Marathon in Kuala Lumpur May 21, 2017. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Friday, 02 Oct 2026 4:27 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 2 – The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) 2026 will proceed this weekend despite the haze, but organisers have cancelled the Kids Dash races to protect the health of young participants.

In a race update, organisers said the Full Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, IHH 10km and 5km will run as scheduled. The decision followed discussions with the relevant parties and had the support of co-organiser Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur and title sponsor Standard Chartered Malaysia.

“We regret to announce that the Kids Dash races will be cancelled, in the best interest of the children,” the organisers said.

“We are disappointed but we have to prioritise the health and safety of the children over letting them run in less than perfect conditions.”

Parents of Kids Dash participants may collect their child’s race entitlement by presenting the race bib at the Information Counter at Dataran Merdeka tomorrow, from 8am to 12pm.

Organisers also urged adult runners to take their own health into account.

“You know your body best. If you have underlying health issues, please weigh your options carefully before deciding to run,” they said.

They added that conditions will be monitored throughout Saturday and expressed hope for favourable weather on Sunday.

Government expected events to proceed

The announcement follows comments earlier this week by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, who said on Sept 30 that the government expected the marathon, the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix, which Malaysia is hosting this weekend, and Le Tour de Langkawi to proceed despite haze affecting parts of the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Putrajaya, Fahmi said the haze was being monitored daily and that the Youth and Sports Ministry would make decisions on the events based on prevailing conditions.

The haze has pushed air quality into the unhealthy range in several parts of the country, raising concerns for athletes, spectators and event personnel taking part in prolonged outdoor activities.